COLOMBO: Zimbabwe pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the T20 World Cup, defeating Australia by 23 runs at the R. Premadasa Stadium on Friday.
Chasing a competitive target of 170, Australia were bowled out for 146 in 19.3 overs as Zimbabwe’s pace attack delivered a disciplined and clinical performance.
Matthew Renshaw fought a lone battle with 65 runs, while Glenn Maxwell scored 31 and captain Travis Head managed 17. The rest of the batting line-up failed to reach double figures, triggering a dramatic collapse.
Fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani led the charge with a match-winning spell of 4 for 17, while Brad Evans picked up three wickets for 23 runs.
Muzarabani’s figures are now Zimbabwe’s best bowling performance in T20 World Cup history and the best by a Zimbabwean against a Full Member side in T20 Internationals. He also reached the milestone of 100 T20I wickets during the match.
Zimbabwe Post Strong Total
Earlier, Australia opted to bowl after winning the toss, but Zimbabwe’s top order laid a solid foundation.
Openers added 61 runs, with Tadiwanashe Marumani scoring 35. A crucial 70-run partnership between Brian Bennett (64*) and Ryan Burl (35) pushed the total to 169 for 2.
Captain Sikandar Raza remained unbeaten on 25 to finish strongly.
For Australia, Marcus Stoinis and Cameron Green claimed one wicket each.
Australia’s Struggle Against Zimbabwe Continues
This was only the second meeting between the two sides in T20 World Cup history — and on both occasions Zimbabwe emerged victorious. Their first win came in the inaugural 2007 edition.
The latest result marks a major setback for Australia and a historic moment for Zimbabwe, whose pace unit outclassed one of the tournament favorites.
